Planetfurry BBS

[Nameless]

Good reading. Emma is improving I hope Jeremy's cousin doesn't turn into another Lance Gulo.

I guess Liz hasn't been informed about Leo yet...

I don't know the area around the ZZ Studios building, but if there are other warehouses in the area if (why not) it would be possible to get a second building nearby. Or to get some free space around and build a second one right next to the current one.

[anthony]

I wasn't aware that the A-10s were capable of dropping Napalm.

In fact, I don't think such a 'fairweather' fighter would be reccommended for such an operation, anyway.
(High mountains, sudden crosswinds, heavy aircraft... )

Incidentally USA is just about the only country in the world that hasn't ratified the 1980 UN Anti-Napalm treaty...
So, even if the Danish or Norwegian F-16s in the area would be a much better choice, they wouldn't be allowed to drop the stuff.
(Not certain that the standard USaF version could do that kind of low-level flight. It lacks both the tailmounted chute-pod which is known to add stability, and the more accurate controls used in the Norwegian F-16s.)

That was me nitpicking and generally rambling...

As for Zig Zag expanding ZZStudios.
Generally, there's a bit of distance between warehouses, so it may be a 'less than perfect' solution.
(They need to have wardrobes and costume storage near the studios, so that would have to be either duplicated or moved. Other facilities may also have to be duplicated, depending on what is to be done in which building)
If the buildings were side-to-side, though, I bet that zig Zag wouldn't have been worried about it.

[Aslaug]

A-10 Warthogs are classed a 'close support aircraft'. Close support aircrafts are not primary fighters (other famous aircraft of that type would include the IL-2 Sturmovik and Ju 87 Stuka, both WWII aircraft). The A-10 is extremely sturdy and capable of flying at quite low speeds if necessary (I did a bit of checking up on that bit at least) to allow it to drop payloads with precision.

I -believe- they are capable of taking a napalm payload...as they can take a very wide variety of bombs and missiles, but if someone can prove me incorrect, then I'm open to fixing that bit and putting in another plane instead.

As for the Danes or Norwegians in the area, neither of them would be dropping Napalm precisely for the reason you stated, Anthony. The United States is pretty unilateral (*coughcough*) about the use of that, these days. But before the rest of the world starts getting overly sanctimonious about that, it should be added that a number of countries still use phospherous payloads, which are if possible even worse than napalm. Neither Denmark or Norway does, however...so we can justify being highminded about it.

But as said, if someone can prove that the A-10 doesn't have the ability carry napalm bombs, then I'll be open to fixing that bit

[Nameless]

I don't see why a plane like the A 10 couldn't drop Napalm. Unless you get really technical and say that the firebombs used by the US after 1991 aren't actually Napalm. They use slightly different components, but the effect is the same. The bombs (M77) aren't that big and I would assume that the US uses a more or less standard mount for such ammunitions.

According to Wikipedia, most "Napalm" bombs in the Iraq war were dropped my Naval aircraft, mainly Harriers or F18 Hornets.

[anthony]

I'd trust the Sturmovik more than the A-10 in Afghanistan.

The reason I heard for the 'Warthog' name is that it 'steered like one'...
(Of course, I heard it from an F-16 pilot, so... )

Sure, it can fly on just one engine, but you'll have to look long and far for a worse fair-weather aircraft.
And in the mountainous terrain of Afghanistan, guess what; they have sudden bouts of 'weather'...

Physically, there's no problem in hanging a M77 on the same mount as say, an MK-82/MK-84 bomb.

The Harrier and Hornets are much more maneuverable, and can place the drops exactly where needed.

[Nameless]

[Tigermark]

Okay, enough's enough, I have to defend the venerable 'hog here. The Valedictorian of my High School class went to the AF Academy, and then chose A-10's as his fighter when he graduated. The Thunderbolt II, the 'hog's official name, is perfectly suited for the mountains and canyons and ground attack work in Afghanistan. It is, despite some aspersions to it's abilities, highly maneuverable. I've seen them in training, and they can roll and turn on a dime, with a full load of ordinance and fuel. While I might concede the Harrier to maneuverability here (it is, after all, a VTOL aircraft) The Hornet is NOT more maneuverable. The A-10 can stay in the air at speed where the Hornet would fall out of the sky.The A-10 has also been updated throguh the years, so many of them can handle the weather as well as any other fighter. Truth is, with the weapons used, unless it's an F-111, any of the mud movers can't attack in bad weather.

The Warthogs are tough as nails, as there are numerous accounts of them coming home with one engine scragged and the other looking like swiss cheese. (They use GE TF-34 engines) Holes in the wings you could drive a volkswagen through, and only one landing gear left, but they came home. One incident over Bagdad had the pilot (a female Air Force fighter pilot) getting hit, and continuing her run. after her flight left the target area, her leader asked if her aircraft was okay. She noticed a slight power loss on her left engine, but no other ill effects. She flew home and landed normally. When she got out and looked, there were numerous holes through her left engine. her leader had actually been able to see the fire from the engine operating through the holes, but the engine continued to produce around 80% power. Those other fighters couldn't sustain half that battle damage and fly home.

As to the use of Napalm, while it might not be called that, there are still incendiary bombs in use. Allow the lady use of a bit of poetic license, guys. Napalm just brings the image out sharper than the rather sterile Incendiary bombs.

Tigermark

[Styx]

I saw the A-10 at work when I was in basic and I can tell you they can practically pivit on that tail of their's and can go slow and low I was amazed. during the first gulf war I saw a report on how an A-10 returned to base with not just the engine but the whole damned thing looking like swiss cheeze not to mention the fire power the thing packs the gatling gun alone is enough to give tank crews nightmares.

[Nameless]

[Shadu]

A10's have been used in the desert before. as pointed out by Styx, one of the reasons is that it can take a beting and keep on ticking. i think i heard something about the positions of the engines making it more weather resistant (dessert wise).

[Fikrann]

[Tigermark]

*Snort, giggle* Yeah Fikrann, a church would be too bland. leave it to our favorite Filly to take it over teh top, eh?

Tigermark (Who's not the least offended here.)

[Folkert]

LOL!

I tip my hat. I figured it would be something along those lines. But the fact that both "neighbors" come out for the greeting.

That's priceless.

[Shadu]

i really enjoyed that ending! a most awesome chapter!

[Nameless]

Ok, so I was only half right on the problems associated with Zig's choice for the new location of her studio. I expect her to take this one, if for no other reason that it makes for a much more interesting story than the alternatives. Also, I don't think Zig is someone who backs down easily.

A triangle is much more stable than a line... now that Zig's Temple of Debauchery has joined the club.